Awarded an MBE for his services to football shortly after retiring, Ian Edward Wright was one of Arsenal football club’s greatest ever strikers. Recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, we take a look at some of the best quotes about Ian Wright.
As the one time top goal scorer for the Gunners, Wright managed to net a total of over 300 goals combined for both Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
Born in London, Wright first played for a local district side before being spotted by second division side Crystal Palace. He spent seven seasons at Selhurst Park, mainly in the second tier, but impressed with 90 league goals in 225 games.
After leaving as the club’s best post-war goalscorer, he moved to Arsenal in 1991 for a club record fee. He went on to win five major trophies including the League and Cup double in 1997/98, and was the club’s top goal scorer for six seasons in succession.
Having broken the long-standing club goal scoring record and netting a prolific 11 hat-tricks, Wright eventually left Highbury with 185 goals in 288 matches, and went on to have short stints with West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Burnley.
His England international appearances amounted to just 33, but his retirement from the field of play led to plenty of opportunities for television and media work, including punditry work on the mainstream channels in the UK.
“…..pace, bravery and finishing ability…..”
Premier League (Hall of Fame)
“Behind every great goalkeeper there’s a ball from Ian Wright.”
Nike (advertising slogan from 1990s)
“My dad was a great player…..”
Shaun Wright-Phillips (son)
“Ian is a very infectious character who contributed a great deal to the dressing room and did his very best when on the pitch.”
Kenny Dalglish (Celtic manager)
“He’s been a tremendous help to us…..he’s got an affinity with the football club.”
Karl Robinson (MK Dons manager)
“Ian…..have proved…..to be hugely popular pundits with football fans across the country.”
Grant Best (BT Sport executive producer)
“Ian is a fantastic broadcaster and an incredibly popular columnist…..His unique and engaging style…..”
David Dinsmore (editor of The Sun online)
“…..one of the greatest goalscorers in post-war history.”
Stan Ternant (Burnley manager)
“Wright was an injection of pure energy…..whose ability to score from anywhere…..”
Christopher Weir (writer)
“…..he was a highly dedicated and motivated player…..”
Arsene Wenger
“Thank you…..Thank you…..You know, when someone like Ian comes into a young man like myself’s like and shows belief, you can see how far it can go.”
Adrian Clifton (Boreham Wood player)
“Ian lit up the pitch and dressing room with the electricity of his performances and his personality.”
George Graham (Arsenal manager)
“I guess he was such a favourite amongst fans…..he always tracked back, he was always running in on the ‘keeper and getting the rebounds.”
Gav (She Wore a Yellow Ribbon football community website)